Matthew Stafford declared in his MVP acceptance speech that he will return for another season with the Los Angeles Rams after mulling retirement. While that is a good sign for Rams fans, the future post-Stafford remains unclear.
With the 2026 NFL Draft coming up in under two months, the Rams can use that to take a shot at finding their replacement for the Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
GettyVanderbilt standout quarterback Diego Pavia
GettyVanderbilt standout quarterback Diego Pavia
Matthew Stafford, at the age of 37 and in his 17th season in the league, played some of his best football. He led the league in passing yards and pass touchdowns in the regular season and led in passing yards and was tied for the most passing TDs in the postseason.
The Los Angeles Rams can take this opportunity with Stafford returning for another year and land a player who can learn under head coach Sean McVay and the MVP-winning quarterback.
FanSided’s Wynston Wilcox named the Rams as one of four landing spots for 2026 Heisman runner-up Diego Pavia to be the next long-term quarterback.
“The Rams have to figure out who Matthew Stafford’s replacement is and the easiest thing to do is turn to the NFL Draft… Pavia feels like the home run move here, “Wilcox wrote. “Sean McVay would allow Pavia to learn for a year behind Stafford. Between that and McVay’s success with an undersized quarterback before (Baker Mayfield), it could work out.”
“This is the best of both worlds. Pavia gets his chance to be the future starter after waiting a year or so and McVay gets a steal with a quarterback that has a lot to prove.”
Pavia finished second in Heisman voting, earning 1,435 total votes behind winner Fernando Mendoza. The runner-up logged 3,539 passing yards and 29 pass touchdowns, while rushing for 862 yards and 10 rushing TDs.
The Vanderbilt quarterback’s height is a major concern when getting scouted, but he has told people to “turn on his tape” if worried by it.
“One thing about me is I don’t care what people think about me,” the Heisman finalist said.
Diego Pavia is projected to be a Day 3 selection or go undrafted, leaving the Los Angeles Rams with plenty of time to decide if he will be the next guy after Stafford.
GettyQuarterback Jimmy Garoppolo of the Los Angeles Rams
GettyQuarterback Jimmy Garoppolo of the Los Angeles Rams
If the Los Angeles Rams were to take Diego Pavia, he could find himself as QB2 right off the bat.
Jimmy Garoppolo has been the backup to Matthew Stafford for the last two seasons and has been getting interest from a division rival — Stetson Bennett is also in the QB room but has yet to play a single snap in his career.
The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly interested in bringing Garoppolo to reunite with former offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, who is now the head coach of the organization.
Sean McVay has lauded Jimmy G as a starting-caliber quarterback and was happy to retain the player for a second season.
With Garoppolo’s future up in the air, Diego Pavia can come and take the backup spot while learning from an MVP winner.
“Pavia is a short, tough, productive quarterback who plays bigger than his measurables. He elevates those around him and was the main character in Vanderbilt’s shift from doormat to winning program,” NFL analyst Lance Zierlein describes the QB.
“Quarterbacks his size rarely make NFL rosters, but his competitiveness should be a plus as long as he’s willing to accept a role as a backup.”
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Jason Garcia Jason Garcia is a sports contributor for Heavy Sports who joined the team in 2025, covering the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. More about Jason Garcia
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